Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Star4.47
20 reviews
Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Quick Facts

1,056 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp
No fees available
Campsite Fees
No specific fee amounts provided in available sources. Described as a rustic state forest campground with no modern hookups and limited amenities.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(231) 775-7911
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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 20 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"Reviews are predominantly positive, highlighting the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, and suitability for horse campers. Many reviewers describe it as peaceful, tranquil, and remote."

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Campground Map

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

44.4830, -85.3212

Driving directionsLocated in Missaukee County, 5.5 miles north of Arlene via M-42 and Lucas Road.
Access via M-42 and Lucas Road; involves forest road driving to reach the campground.
Nearby places
Fife Lake area and the broader Traverse City region mentioned as nearby areas (distances not specified in sources).

Best Time to Camp at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Ideal for hiking, fishing and equestrian use; reviews praise summer seclusion and shade.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mature hardwoods suggest strong fall color; secluded trails suitable for outings.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Good trout fishing and forest renewal make spring attractive, though trails may be muddy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Primitive, remote site with no winter services; limited comfort though trails may be usable.

Planning Tips

    About Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

    Escape into the heart of Manistee State Forest at Hopkins Creek Equestrian Campground, where horse lovers and anglers discover a hidden gem along a pristine trout stream. This rustic, first-come, first-served retreat connects you directly to the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail while offering the peaceful seclusion that only deep forest camping can provide.
    Two linked state forest camp areas: an equestrian loop (~16 sites) with picket posts/corrals and a smaller non-equestrian state forest campground (~7 sites). The campground is classified as rustic.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Equestrian-focused, rustic campground with direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail and creek-side trout fishing. The site also provides access to surrounding state forest lands that are open to hunting.
    HikingDirect access to the Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail and other forest tracks; terrain is forested and rolling.
    FishingHopkins Creek runs adjacent to the campground and is noted for trout fishing.
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsHigh-water safety near the creek/river is noted. The campground is remote (long forest-road drives) which can affect emergency response and access; sources advise planning accordingly. Cell coverage is not documented and visitors are advised to plan as if service may be unreliable.

    Weather at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

    Reviews

    4.5
    20 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are predominantly positive, highlighting the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, and suitability for horse campers. Many reviewers describe it as peaceful, tranquil, and remote.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 20 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Secluded, densely wooded setting; direct access to Shore-to-Shore trail; creek-side trout fishing; quiet and low-use atmosphere favored by visitors and equestrians.
    Based on 20 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive prepared with supplies; expect first-come, first-served rustic camping. Horse campers should bring appropriate containment and manure management supplies; anglers should bring stream fishing...
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    Based on 20 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    Loved it; The place to stay if you want to be nowhere!; Beautiful place to camp and ride your horse.; Absolutely Love this peaceful, tranquil camp; Stayed 2 times and I absolutely love the secluded...
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    Based on 20 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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